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The 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was designed to be an aerodynamically efficient and compact Grand Tourer. Built on the shorter 2400-mm wheelbase chassis, the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was launched at the Paris Salon in October 1959. The work of three young engineers - Giotto Bizzarini, Carlo Chiti and Mauro Forghieri - it stole the show, creating immediate demand.
This unique car is the third 250 GT SWB Berlinetta built and was initially destined to become a works race car but instead was sold to Enrico Wax of Genoa, Italy. This car has unique features, including a brushed stainless-steel roof, and a 'clambshell' bonnet allowing access to the engine, with an unusual wire mesh grille and headlight covers. The interior features a central speedometer and tachometer that predate the similar design found in the 250 GT Lusso by three years - and Ferrari's first-ever rear-window defroster.
It passed through a few owners throughout the years until landing in the car of Roger Karlson of California during the 1990s. It was shown at the 1994 International Ferrari Concours by Karlson. It was sold to Lance Hill during the 1990s and then to Lorenzo Zambrano. It was shown at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours where it was awarded a Second in Class in the M2 category. It appeared at the 2004 Ferrari International Concours of Monterey where it was awarded a Platinum award. In 2014, it returned to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was placed in the Ferrari Grand Touring class.
This unique car is the third 250 GT SWB Berlinetta built and was initially destined to become a works race car but instead was sold to Enrico Wax of Genoa, Italy. This car has unique features, including a brushed stainless-steel roof, and a 'clambshell' bonnet allowing access to the engine, with an unusual wire mesh grille and headlight covers. The interior features a central speedometer and tachometer that predate the similar design found in the 250 GT Lusso by three years - and Ferrari's first-ever rear-window defroster.
It passed through a few owners throughout the years until landing in the car of Roger Karlson of California during the 1990s. It was shown at the 1994 International Ferrari Concours by Karlson. It was sold to Lance Hill during the 1990s and then to Lorenzo Zambrano. It was shown at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours where it was awarded a Second in Class in the M2 category. It appeared at the 2004 Ferrari International Concours of Monterey where it was awarded a Platinum award. In 2014, it returned to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was placed in the Ferrari Grand Touring class.
2009 Ferrari – Leggenda e Passione
Pre-Auction Estimates :
€2,200,000-€2,900,000
Sale Price :
USD $2,160,048 (€ 1,600,000.00)
Recent Sales of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB
(Data based on Model Year 1959 sales)
1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Competition' Berlinetta Speciale by Carrozzeria Bertone Chassis#: 1739GTEngine Sold for USD$968,000 2013 RM Auction - Art of the Automobile | |
1959 Ferrari 250GT (SWB) Berlinetta Speciale Bertone Chassis#: 1739 GT Sold for USD$2,160,048 2009 Ferrari – Leggenda e Passione |
Ferrari 250 GT SWBs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB TdF | 1321GT | 2010 Mecum Auctions Monterey | $3,500,000 |
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1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB
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